Blue Guardian vs City Traders Imperium: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between Blue Guardian and City Traders Imperium face a decision between a newer firm with more flexible daily trading requirements versus an established London-based prop firm with easier profit targets. City Traders Imperium offers a significantly lower entry cost ($412 vs $506 for $100K challenges) and removes daily loss limits entirely, while Blue Guardian provides more total drawdown room and eliminates minimum trading day requirements. This comparison examines their challenge structures, payout terms, and trading conditions to help you determine which firm aligns better with your trading style and risk management approach.
BG
Blue Guardian
Est. 2022 · N/A
4.3
1,500 reviews
VS
2 wins
5 ties
6 wins
CT
City Traders Imperium
Est. 2018 · London, UK
4.2
1,500 reviews
Feature
Blue Guardian
City Traders Imperium
Challenge Price ($100K)
$506
$412✓ Lower entry cost
Phase 1 Profit Target
10%
8%✓ Easier to pass
Max Daily Loss
3%
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
Max Total Loss
6%✓ More drawdown room
5%
Min Trading Days
None✓ No minimum
3 days
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 90%)
80% (up to 100%)✓ Higher profit split
Payout Frequency
instant
weekly✓ Faster payouts
Blue Guardian
Pros
+Instant funding accounts available - skip evaluation phases entirely
+Scale up to $4M in funding capacity
+Instant payouts and 24-hour payout guarantee available
+Multiple account types including 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step challenges
+100% refundable fees after fourth payout
Cons
−Relatively new firm established in 2022
−Lower leverage ratios compared to some competitors (1:30 max for most instruments)
−Limited transparency on company background and headquarters location
−Higher fees for larger account sizes compared to some established competitors
City Traders Imperium
Pros
+Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
+Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
+Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
+Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
+24/7 multilingual customer support with 1-hour first response time
Cons
−No refunds available once any trading activity occurs on the account
−Limited information about specific trading instruments and leverage ratios
−Relatively high instant funding fees compared to challenge options
−VIP benefits require meeting specific performance criteria
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
City Traders Imperium suits active day traders and scalpers who benefit from no daily loss limits and prefer the lower 8% Phase 1 profit target. The $94 lower entry cost and absence of daily restrictions make it ideal for high-frequency traders who can consistently hit profit targets without extended drawdown periods. The firm's London base and 2018 founding date also provide additional regulatory comfort for traders prioritizing established operations.
Blue Guardian better serves swing traders and those with inconsistent trading schedules who need the flexibility of no minimum trading days and the safety net of higher total drawdown limits (6% vs 5%). Despite the higher entry cost, the firm works well for traders who prefer longer holding periods and may occasionally exceed typical daily loss limits. For most traders seeking the most accessible challenge structure, City Traders Imperium wins with its lower costs, easier targets, and removal of daily restrictions.
Choose Blue Guardian if:
→Instant funding accounts available - skip evaluation phases entirely
→Scale up to $4M in funding capacity
→Instant payouts and 24-hour payout guarantee available
→Multiple account types including 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step challenges
Choose City Traders Imperium if:
→Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
→Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
→Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
→Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.